The Specific Health Benefits Of Eating The Rainbow

Each color of fruits and vegetables adds different nutrients that are beneficial to our bodies. By eating an array of colorful foods, you can provide your body with the essential nutrition it needs. So let's look at healthy foods in the color of the rainbow and explore why they can be beneficial to us because of their color.

1. Red for phytochemicals

Red fruits and veggies contain phytochemicals including lycopene and anthocyanins; the pigment responsible for the vibrant color. Eating more raspberries, red peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelons will help you:

Protect against certain cancers

Reduce the risk of diabetes

Lower the risk of macular degeneration, an age-related condition that can impair vision

Improve skin quality

Decrease risk of heart disease and stroke

Soak up damaging free radicals

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2. Orange and yellow for carotenoids

Most orange and yellow foods are packed with carotenoids, the plant pigment responsible for their lively color. Eating more carrots, lemons, mango, oranges, and sweet potatoes can improve your health in the following ways:

Protects the skin against sun and pollution

Improves immune function

Promotes eye health and protects vision

Decreases risk of various cancers

Reduces risk of heart disease

Promotes healthy joints

3. Green for antioxidants

Chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green, is loaded with antioxidant power that promotes well-being. Eating more greens like broccoli, kiwi, lettuce, spinach, and zucchini will help:

Aid tissue healing

Detoxify the body

Provide digestive enzymes

Restore energy and increase vitality

Reduce risk of cancer

Boost the immune system

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4. Blue and purple for resveratrol

Loaded with anthocyanin and resveratrol, the pigments responsible for their deep color and many of their most reputed health benefits. Eating more blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, plums, purple cabbage will have these health benefits:

Promotes longevity

Reduces risk of Alzheimer's

Boosts memory

Protects cells from damage

Reduces the risk and slows the progression of cancer

Helps fight inflammation

5. White for overall health

Although not technically a color of the rainbow, white plants promote a range of health benefits and should also be part of a healthy diet. Eating more bananas, cauliflower, garlic, potatoes, and onions will: